Warren: Hiking, Nature, and History

When planning a trip to Warren, you can choose from a range of interests: hiking trails and activities along the Delaware River, natural areas, sites connected to the iron industry, and local products. The following topics can help you choose outings based on your interests and get a better sense of what’s available in the area.

Trails and Landscapes

The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area offers more than 150 miles of hiking trails with varying levels of difficulty. Warren County’s parks encompass nearly 2,000 acres of forests, meadows, streams, and lakes. They offer opportunities for hiking, biking, and kayaking. Warren County is also home to more than 170,000 acres of land in the Highlands Region, nearly 53,000 acres of publicly accessible open space, and more than 22,000 acres of preserved farmland.

The Warren Highlands Trail is a route in its own right: it stretches for more than 52.4 miles from the Delaware River in the west to the Musconetcong River in the east and is accessible via Interstate Routes 78 and 80. The information about the trail and the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area’s hiking offerings describes different scales: one is a named route with its endpoints, while the other is a network of hiking trails. This lets you consider the landscape and range of trails separately, without treating the two as a single route.

There are also various opportunities for outdoor activities along the Delaware River. Swimming, canoeing, and walks along the river are offered at the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Combined with hiking and biking opportunities in the parks, these provide different ways to spend time outdoors.

Iron Industry Sites and Historical Interpretations

Oxford Furnace was established in 1741 and produced items including firebacks, nails, stoves, and cast-iron pots. It is considered New Jersey’s oldest surviving hot-blast furnace. Shippen Manor was built in 1754 and is a rare surviving example of the spacious residence of an ironworks owner in New Jersey. Together, the two sites represent different aspects of the iron industry: the manufacture of iron goods and the home of an ironworks owner.

Millbrook Village depicts a rural community of the late 19th century. It is not an exact reconstruction of the original village. This distinction is useful when considering the nature of the portrayal. More traces of history can be found at Bread Lock Park, which features walking and exercise trails as well as a StoryWalk. It also has a full-scale replica of a canal boat. More than a mile of canal bed and towpath from the Morris Canal is preserved at Florence Kuipers Park.

Rutherfurd Hall is a historic mansion associated with a visit by Franklin D. Roosevelt. Those interested in railroad excursions can find rides such as the Great Pumpkin Train Ride, the Warren County Winery Train, and the Mine Train, as well as other special events, at Delaware River Railroad Excursions. The names of these offerings give an idea of the range of options, without implying a specific event date.

Wildlife Viewing and Motorsports

The Lakota Wolf Preserve is home to four wolf packs, as well as foxes and bobcats. Guided tours cover the organization’s beginnings and the animals that live there. The preserve’s wildlife is thus paired with an introduction to the organization’s history.

At Island Dragway, visitors can watch or take part in races for street-legal vehicles and bracket racing. Here, watching races is an option alongside participating in the specified race formats. Check the event schedule before making specific plans.

Wine Tastings and Local Products

Alba Vineyard offers wine tastings in Warren County on the northern slope of Musconetcong Valley. The Blairstown Farmers Market brings together local farmers and artisans. It takes place on Saturdays from June through the weekend before Thanksgiving; check the specific market dates before traveling.

The Community Supported Garden at Genesis Farm offers a seasonal or year-round distribution of shares. Members can pick their own bouquets, berries, and hardy kiwis in the fields. The offering combines shares with a hands-on activity for members. If you plan your trip around a particular type of outing, you can weigh up nature, history, events, and local agriculture.

Discover more destinations: Hackettstown, Alpha, Phillipsburg, White, Morris County, Hunterdon County, Essex, Sussex County.

For the main travel overview: New Jersey.